Twenty four points off of turnovers. It has such a nice ring to it. On a cold, wet Halloween night in Knoxville, the Vols took full advantage of every Gamecock miscue. The results came early with fourteen points in the first four minutes.
Flash back to the UCLA where the Bruins laid the ball on the ground six times and lost only one. The ever improving version of the 2009 Tennessee team pounced on every ball South Carolina laid on the ground.
For the season, the Vols now carry a +2 in the turnover margin. Equally impressive was that Tennessee recovered the only ball they put on the ground (a 2nd quarter strip and sack of Crompton as he rolled right).
Now the door of opportunity is open for the Big Orange to win back to back games for the first time this season. In fact, Tennessee will be favored the rest of the season with the exception of the Ole Miss game. That line will be very close.
While the defensive statistics were not stifling, the Vols allowed just one offensive touchdown. That broke a streak of ten (10) quarters going back to the Auburn game.
Game Ball
Dan Williams deserves a game ball. He wore out the middle of the South Carolina O-line. He was credited with four solo tackles, a sack and three hurries. But his present was problematic for the Gamecocks. They shifted and rotated to no avail.
Rico McCoy turned in a solid performance with 10 tackles. Janzen Jackson hit like he had a chip on his shoulder. He also contributed with 7 tackles and two break ups.
Hardesty was equally impressive. It’s so good to see a Tennessee back run as hard and determines as he has this season. He netted 121 yards on 23 carries. Bryce Brown chipped in 9 carries for 60 yards and a beautiful 37 yard run.
Back in Black?
So in the end the Vols were opportunistic on this night of surprises. On the South Carolina boards, there was much talk early about how Georgia black helmets were of no help against Florida earlier in the day. Good luck with that reasoning.
Mike Hamilton stated that the black jerseys were a one time thing. That’s fine; no doubt the Vols will continue to find ways to elevate the excitement of the fan base and recruits alike.
Finally, outstanding job by the coaching staff. They continue to pull the right strings. The Sunday practice to get the Alabama game out of the teams head was a solid call.
Allowing the players to convince Mike Hamilton to wear black shows Lane Kiffin knows when to make allowances. Lane summed it up nicely with Erin Andrews, “it’s the player’s game”.
Coach Kiffin will continue to hone his message. The Big Orange will continue to get better. Opportunities will continue to knock. Advantage Tennessee.